Delay Hearing On Patrolman, Solicitor Advises

May 10, 1985|The Morning Call

Bethlehem City Council should postpone a hearing on departmental charges against suspended Patrolman Richard Michlovsky until the case goes to trial on criminal charges against the officer, city Solicitor Joseph Leeson has requested.

Council had set Tuesday as the date of a special hearing on charges against Michlovsky, 40, of 3382 East Blvd., Bethlehem. The 14-year police veteran was suspended April 10 for allegedly filing a false report, among other departmental charges. He was suspended with pay at first, but his salary was revoked after criminal charges were filed on April 26.

Criminal charges against Michlovsky stem from a March 20 incident in which he allegedly took a young woman to his home, rather than delivering her to Allentown police for eventual admission to a shelter for abused women.

The Northampton County district attorney's office filed charges of making false reports to law enforcement authorities, unsworn falsification to authorities, obstructing administration of law, and tampering with public records or information.

Michlovsky was arraigned before District Justice James Stocklas of Bethlehem, but the county asked for a change of venue for the preliminary hearing because Michlovsky routinely dealt with district justices in the city in his capacity as a police officer.

Leeson confirmed the request to council yesterday, but declined further comment until council has had a chance to consider it. He said it is likely council would hire outside legal counsel for the Michlovsky hearing, since Leeson will represent the administration.